Pope Leo has raised fresh concern over growing violence, discrimination, and persecution of Christians in countries such as Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
His warning follows the U.S. decision to list Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged Christian genocide. Nigeria has faced intense criticism for its handling of attacks on Christian communities. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump cautioned that continued violence could trigger serious diplomatic or military consequences, instructing the Department of War to prepare for possible action, which he said would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
In a message shared on his X account, Pope Leo condemned repeated attacks on Christian communities and places of worship, urging unified global efforts to promote peace. He said Christians in various parts of the world continue to suffer discrimination and persecution, and noted frequent reports of attacks on worship centres.
The Pope also offered prayers for victims in the Kivu region of the DRC, where civilians were recently massacred, calling on believers to work together for peace and the common good.
Meanwhile, American rapper Nicki Minaj is scheduled to speak at a United Nations event in New York, where she will address alleged jihadist attacks on Christians in Nigeria. She will appear alongside U.S. Ambassador Michael Waltz and Alex Bruesewitz, an adviser to President Trump. The development was first reported by Time magazine’s senior political correspondent, Eric Cortellessa.
Ambassador Waltz praised Minaj for using her platform to highlight what he described as atrocities against Christians in Nigeria. Minaj expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying she would never stand down in the face of injustice and understood the weight of the responsibility.
The UN event follows Trump’s claim of an ongoing “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and his call for Congress to act immediately. Nigeria’s federal government has strongly denied the allegations, insisting the country’s insecurity is driven by criminal activity, not religion. Despite this, U.S. officials continue to express concern.